God Is Calling the Prodigal

 1  

God is calling the prodigal  come without delay  

Hear o hear him calling  calling now for thee  

Tho you've wandered so far from his  presence, come today  

Hear his loving voice calling still  

2  

Patient, loving and tenderly  still the Father pleads,  

Hear, O hear Him calling,  calling now for thee;  

Oh! return while the Spirit in  mercy intercedes,  

Hear His loving voice calling still.  

3  

Come, there’s bread in the house of the  Father, and to spare,  

Hear, O hear Him calling,  calling now for thee;  

Lo! the table is spread and the  feast is waiting there,  

Hear His loving voice calling still.  

REFRAIN  

Calling now for thee,  

O weary prodigal, come;  

Calling now for thee,  

O weary prodigal, come.

    

 Author: Charles Hutchinson Gabriel 1889

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lQRMrQcGqE&list=RD6lQRMrQcGqE&start_radio=1

    

Luke 15:11 A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.  17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.  25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

O Why Not Tonight?

 1  

O do not let the word depart,  

And close thine eyes against the light;  

Poor sinner, harden not your heart;  

Be saved, O tonight.   

2  

Tomorrow’s sun may never rise  

To bless thy long deluded sight;  

This is the time, O then be wise,  

Be saved, O tonight. 

3  

Our Lord in pity lingers still,  

And wilt thou thus His love requite?  

Renounce at once thy stubborn will,  

Be saved, O tonight.  

4  

Our blessed Lord refuses none  

Who would to Him their souls unite;  

Believe, obey, the work is done;  

Be saved, O tonight.  

Refrain:  

O why not tonight?  

O why not tonight?  

Wilt thou be saved?  

Then why not tonight? 

 Author: Eliza Holmes Reed  

The song O Why Not Tonight, because it says specifically "tonight", evokes images of old fashioned tent revivals, in which services were generally held in the evenings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYGoFmXFHbQ&list=RDpYGoFmXFHbQ&start_radio=1

Hebrews 3:15

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.    

2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

This is one of our family photos (I added the text for this post). On this occasion my great grandparents, Ulys and Annie Hicks, and Ulys' brother Felix and his wife Ida, were baptized. This was around 1910.

Almost Persuaded

1  

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;  

“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;  

Seems now some soul to say,  

“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,  

Some more convenient day  

On Thee I’ll call.”  

2  

“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;  

“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;  

Jesus invites you here,  

Angels are ling’ring near,  

Prayers rise from hearts so dear;  

O wand’rer, come!  

3  

  “Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!  

“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;  

“Almost” cannot avail;  

“Almost” is but to fail!  

Sad, sad that bitter wail—  

“Almost—but lost!”  

Author: Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876) 

This song was usually used as the "invitation" after the sermon -- an opportunity for anyone in the assembly to come forward to make a confession of sin and/or be baptized. In some other denominations this is sometimes known as an "altar call". This first video does not include the last verse, which is pertinent to the invitation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9oVppVnS6g&list=RDg9oVppVnS6g&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNgKNNdRru0&list=RDQNgKNNdRru0&start_radio=1

Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.    

Prepare to Meet Thy God

 1  

Careless soul, why will you linger,  

Wand’ring from the fold of God?  

Hear you not the invitation?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God.  

2  

Why so thoughtless are you standing,  

While the fleeting years go by,  

And your life is spent in folly?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God. 

3  

Hear you not the earnest pleadings  

Of your friends that wish you well?  

And perhaps before tomorrow  

You’ll be called to meet your God. 

4  

If you spurn the invitation  

Till the Spirit shall depart,  

Then you’ll see your sad condition,  

Unprepared to meet thy God. 

Refrain:  

Careless soul, oh, heed the warning,  

For your life will soon be gone;  

Oh, how sad to face the judgment,  

Unprepared to meet thy God.      

Author: James H. Stanley    

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.    

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.    

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:    

This song, along with many others, is often used as an "invitation" song at the end of the sermon in many Christian churches, especially those of the baptist/pentecostal varieties. Sometimes known as the "altar call," this is an opportunity for congregants to come forward and make a confession of sin and ask for prayers, or request to become a member of the church, or to rededicate themselves to their original commitment to Christ. The invitation song is a sort of pregnant pause, an anticipatory moment in evangelical churches, with their focus on "winning souls for Christ." It is often fraught with emotion, particularly in special worship services such as "revival" meetings

* * *

Background information --

THE PLAN OF SALVATION

In the New Testament book of Acts, in chapter 16, is an account of the apostles Paul and Silas, having been arrested and put into prison:    25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.  

This passage of scripture is frequently used in the Church of Christ as indicative of "the plan of salvation." I don't know if any other churches have this particular terminology or theology, but in the Church of Christ it is basic dogma. The Plan of Salvation consists of five steps:    

 PLAN OF SALVATION   

 1. HEAR the Gospel  Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  

 2. BELIEVE the Gospel   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.    

 3. REPENT of past sins   Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:    

 4. CONFESS faith in Jesus Christ   Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.    

 5. BE BAPTIZED   Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

There's Power in the Blood

1  

Would you be free from the burden of sin?  

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;  

Would you o'er evil a victory win?  

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.  

2  

Would you be free from your passion and pride?  

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;  

Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide–  

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood. 

3  

Would you be whiter, yes brighter than snow?  

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;  

Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow–  

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood. 

4  

Would you do service for Jesus, your King?  

There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;  

Would you live daily His praises to sing?  

There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.   

Refrain:  

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r  

In the blood of the Lamb;  

There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r  

In the precious blood of the Lamb.   

 

Hymn lyrics: Lewis E. Jones (1899)    

Why "pow'r" and not "power"? This is a Southern Gospel song, and if you are from the South, "power" is a one-syllable word that sounds very much like "par"...  

Here's a fun performance of this great old gospel song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNzJf8_ZGTM&list=RDcNzJf8_ZGTM&start_radio=1

Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.    Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

1  

What can wash away my sin?  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  

What can make me whole again?  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.   

2  

For my pardon this I see:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  

For my cleansing this my plea:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

3  

Nothing can for sin atone:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  

Naught of good that I have done:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

4  

This is all my hope and peace:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  

This is all my righteousness:  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Refrain:  

O precious is the flow  

That makes me white as snow;  

No other fount I know;  

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Author: Robert Lowry (1876)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIvgOuj-AA0&list=RDUIvgOuj-AA0&start_radio=1

We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. ~Colossians 1:14

Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

When I See the Blood

1  

Christ, our Redeemer, died on the cross  

Died for the sinner, paid all his due;  

All who receive Him need never fear,  

Yes, He will pass over you  

2  

Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save,  

As He has promised, so will He do;  

O sinner, hear Him, trust in His word.  

Then He will pass, will pass over you.  

3  

Judgment is coming, all will be there,  

Who have rejected, who have refused,  

O sinner, hasten, let Jesus in,  

Then God will pass, will pass over you  

4  

O what compassion, O boundless love,  

Jesus hath power, Jesus is true;  

All who believe are safe from the storm,  

O He will pass, will pass over you.  

REFRAIN  

When I see the blood  

When I see the blood  

When I see the blood  

I will pass, I will pass over you    

 

Author: John G. Foote 

Sometimes I love to hear a good ol' Baptist church pianist just go to town on a song that might otherwise be kind of boring...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?=8RWiPa7xDZw&list=RD8RWiPa7xDZw&start_radio=1

Exodus 12:1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying, 2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house...  5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it...  11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever...  21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.  24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.  28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. 29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said...  37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle...  40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.    

 

 [There's an interesting notation on this hymn in our songbooks: Hymn lyrics -- "Foote Bros., not copyrighted. Let no one do so. May this song ever be free to be published for the glory of God."]

There is a Fountain Filled with Blood

Another song on the theme of the blood of Jesus. In this hymn there is a reference to Immanuel...  

1  

There is a fountain filled with blood  

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;  

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,  

Lose all their guilty stains. 

2  

The dying thief rejoiced to see  

That fountain in his day;  

And there may I, though vile as he,  

Wash all my sins away. 

3  

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood  

Shall never lose its power,  

Till all the ransomed ones of God  

Be saved, to sin no more. 

4  

E’er since by faith I saw the stream  

Thy flowing wounds supply,  

Redeeming love has been my theme,  

And shall be till I die. 

5  

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue  

Lies silent in the grave,  

Then in a nobler, sweeter song,  

I’ll sing Thy power to save. 

Author:William Cowper (1731-1800)    

This was one of the late great Vestal Goodman's trademark songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PasK3ZFAOPE&list=RDPasK3ZFAOPE&start_radio=1

 Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.

Are You Washed in the Blood?

1  

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?  

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?  

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

2  

Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?  

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?  

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

3  

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white 

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

Will your soul be ready for His presence bright,  

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?  

4  

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,  

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;  

There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,  

O be washed in the blood of the Lamb.    

 Author: Elisha Albright Hoffman (1839-1929)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9oW91Iv8D8&list=RDh9oW91Iv8D8&start_radio=1

 1 John 1:7 If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all sin.

 * * *

The theme of the blood of Christ is a common thread throughout many of the greatest hymns and gospel songs of the church.   It must seem like a very bizarre concept to those who are unfamiliar with the idea of being washed in blood -- in order to become clean. Christians understand this rather gory metaphor in symbolic terms, relating to animal sacrifices that were part of the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament. 

In Leviticus, God speaks to Moses, stating,  “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11).  Not to get into it too deeply, I'll just say that the animal represented the sins of the people, and the shedding of its blood indicated the removal of those sins. The death of the animal was to substitute for the punishment of the sinners -- "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).    

This concept carried over into the New Testament in the sense of Jesus Christ being the sacrificial lamb who took upon himself the punishment for the sins of all the world. Therefore, those who are "washed" in the blood of Christ are cleansed from their sin.  This theme is deeply entrenched throughout the entire Bible --    

from the Exodus: 

Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats... 6 And shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.... 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.    

to the Last Supper:  

Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.    

to Revelation:   

Revelation 7:13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, 'Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?' 14 I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' And he said to me, 'These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'"

Amazing Grace, verse 6

When we've been there ten thousand years,  

Bright shining as the sun,  

We've no less days to sing God's praise  

Than when we've first begun.

  And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. ~I John 2:25

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of th throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.  

Lyrics: John Newton

Here's a really interesting video about this song, along with a great performance by Wintley Phipps.

THIS IS A MUST-LISTEN !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNuQbJst4Lk

Amazing Grace, verse 5

 And when this flesh and heart shall fail,  And mortal life shall cease,  I shall possess within the veil  A life of joy and peace.    

I Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.    

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.    

For a deeper understanding of the concept "within the veil" see   

Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.  6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:  8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.  11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

Amazing Grace, verse 4

 The Lord has promised good to me:  

His word my hope secures;  

He will my shield and portion be  

As long as life endures.

    

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield: in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.    

Psalm 16:5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 

Amazing Grace, Verse 3

 Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares  

I have already come;  

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,  

And grace will lead me home.

   

II Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Amazing Grace, Verse 2

 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,  

And grace my fears relieved:  

How precious did that grace appear  

The hour I first believed!

   * * * 

 John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.  3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?  6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.  

Psalm 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 

Amazing Grace

 

Amazing Grace is the quintessential hymn. The words were written by John Newton, a slave trader who eventually became a minister. The tune is of unknown origin. It is a simple and elegant pentatonic melody that, in large part, has made the hymn the icon it is today.   

VERSE 1

 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound  

That saved a wretch like me!  

I once was lost, but now am found,  

Was blind, but now I see.    

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.  6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.  8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. 12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.  13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.  17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? 20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. 22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.  24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 

 

Caveat Emptor

Okay, so... I want to do something different. I've got a couple of big projects going, separate from blogs and books. I'm trying to wrangle my million photographs (yes, I counted -- there are a million+) into a more organized system, and winnowing the multitudes of duplicates. It's a huge undertaking, and very time-consuming. At the same time, I'm determined to make sure all my photos are labeled, so I can find pictures more accurately with a search.

I said all that to say this --

Instead of creating my blog posts from scratch each day, I'm gonna cheat a bit. Don't get me wrong, I love doing the posts, but I need to budget my time a little better. So what I'm gonna do is use my published books as blog posts for a while. 

For the WoodsFull blog I'll use THE WOODS IS FULL OF 'EM, WHEN WE WERE IRISH, and SECRET AND RESOLUTE. These books, in total, cover all branches of the family tree.

For the HeartBells blog I'll use HEART BELLS, and the three volumes of HYMNOLOGY.

For the Crystianne blog I'm going to continue with my poems, supplemented with the two STORYWORTH books I did for Christopher a few years ago. Those have not been published and are not available on Amazon. They consist of my anecdotes about my own life.

Adele's blog is still a work in progress and will continue to be baked up fresh every day. I'm having a lot of fun with it!

I'm just doing all of this for fun. Same reason I published my books -- for my own pleasure. And if anyone else gets some enjoyment from it, too, that's gravy. 

So... here we go.

Wonderful Peace

WONDERFUL PEACE

1

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;

In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls

O'er my soul like an infinite calm.

2

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,

Buried deep in the heart of my soul,

So secure that no power can mine it away,

While the years of eternity roll!

3

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,

Resting sweetly in Jesus' control;

For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day,

And His glory is flooding my soul.

4

And methinks when I rise to that city of peace,

Where the Author of peace I shall see,

That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing

In that heavenly kingdom will be:

5

Ah! soul, are you here without comfort or rest,

Marching down the rough pathway of time?

Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;

O accept of His peace so sublime.

CHORUS

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,

In fathomless billows of love.

W. D. Cornell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76cchtSVgkk&list=RD76cchtSVgkk&start_radio=1

This is a new group I have just discovered. I haven't watched any more of their videos, but I'm struck by their precision, not only of the singing and harmonies, but the matching dress suits -- even the ties match -- and absolutely no extraneous physical movement during the performance. All the men have traditional short haircuts even though it's a racially diverse group, and there is a consistency of presentation and strict attention to detail that is not easy to find. 

 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ~Isaiah 26:3